Archives

Wholesale News & Articles

INDEPENDENT RETAILER magazine is now the official news outlet for Wholesale Central visitors.
Each monthly issue is packed with new product ideas, supplier profiles, retailing news, and
business strategies to help you succeed.

Ups Changes The Delivery Game

May 1, 2007

On the football field, nothing can save the day like a clutch interception, one that comes at a critical juncture of the game. Thanks to a new service called UPS Delivery Intercept_, UPS shippers now can make game saving interceptions of their own.

UPS announced the launch of UPS Delivery Intercept, an automated service that gives customers ultimate flexibility and control by enabling shippers to intercept and reroute packages before they are delivered.

UPS Delivery Intercept is the industry's only web enabled package interception service. With UPS Delivery Intercept, a shipper simply uses a UPS package application such as UPS WorldShip(r), UPS CampusShip(r) or UPS Internet Shipping(r), clicks on the 1Z tracking number and requests a reroute. Interception requests also can be made through a shipper's myups.com account as well as via UPS Signature Tracking(r).

Shippers can access the service 24/7 to request UPS to intercept packages being shipped from and to anywhere in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Building on other established UPS technologies, customers who use Quantum View Notify(tm) can receive notification of the requested and successful interceptions. Receivers also can view the intercept status when they track the package on any UPS visibility system.

"A great interception can be the difference between winning and losing, especially in the world of business and complex supply chains," said Kurt Kuehn, UPS senior VP of worldwide sales and marketing. "With UPS Delivery Intercept, shippers receive an unprecedented level of control over their packages, enabling them to avoid mistakes that could cost money or impact customer service."

UPS Delivery Intercept is powered by a UPS innovation known as Package Flow Technology, which enables UPS not only to map more efficient routes for drivers but also to flag packages for special handling while they are in the UPS network. In fact, an interception can even be executed after a package is on board one of UPS's familiar brown delivery vehicles.

A consulting firm sends the wrong version of an RFP response but realizes the mistake only after its UPS driver has picked up the package. With UPS Delivery Intercept, the shipper can intercept that package, return it to sender and put another package into the UPS network containing the correct documents.

A manufacturer of shoes realizes, while a shipment is en route to a retailer, that each box contains two left shoes. The shipping manager intercepts the packages, returns them to sender and sends out a correct order.

A risk manager realizes a customer's credit has taken a turn for the worse and, fearing nonpayment of the invoice, intercepts the package and has it returned. .

With UPS Delivery Intercept, shippers have a number of options once UPS intercepts a package, including:

Return the package to the shipper.

Redirect the package to a new address.

Hold the package for delivery on a future date.

Hold the package for pickup by the consignee.

UPS Delivery Intercept is available for all small package deliveries, excluding packages using UPS SonicAir(r) service. UPS Delivery Intercept costs $10 per interception and because of the reliability of the new system, is charged only on completion of the intercept.
"Innovations like Package Flow Technology and services like UPS Delivery Intercept are key components of UPS's drive to treat each of our millions of customers as if they are our only customer," added Kuehn. "We are constantly working on new and innovative ways to harness technology to help our customers meet their unique needs."

Wholesale Central is a B2B directory that helps wholesale buyers find wholesale suppliers and products. When you find a supplier, please follow the link to their web site where you can do business with them directly.